This is what a marathon looks like in North Korea

For the first time in 30 years, North Korea opened its marathon to foreigners — meaning tourists could come to the normally isolated country to participate in a 26.2 mile race, half marathon or 10k run. Officials told the Associated Press that runners from 27 foreign countries participated in the run.

“The scenery was fantastic, and there were so many people watching,” Jen Skym, a 32-year-old British citizen living in Hong Kong told the AP. “It was good motivation to get back into running. I really enjoyed it.”

Contrasted with reports of widespread starvation, concentration camps and a terrifying dictatorship, the race seems quite surreal. According to the AP, runners were instructed not to wear bright clothing or bring cameras during the run.

Tourists who competed in the shorter distance segments of the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon in Pyongyang, North Korea rest at the end of the race on Sunday…